The 2016 K League Classic was the 34th season of the top division of South Korean professional football since its establishment in 1983, and the fourth season of the K League Classic.

Leaders Qualification for Champions League Qualification for relegation play-offs Relegation to K League Challenge Teams play each other twice, once at home, once away.

The exact matches are determined upon the league table at the time of the split.

The winner on aggregate score after both matches earned entry into the 2017 K League Classic.

Gangwon FC won on away goals and were promoted to the K League Classic, while Seongnam FC were relegated to the K League Challenge.